Bells Love
The ship bell is more than just a nautical decoration, as it has reserved a place of importance in the nautical culture. The traditional and historical significance that exists behind the ship's bell makes it a nautical decor item unlike any other. There are several ship bells for sale at online model ship retailers that are brilliant additions for both novices and veterans of nautical decor alike. Due to this, model ship outlets carry the best in brass and chrome ship bells for sale. Collectors, both amateur and seasoned, will be proud to have these authentic ship bells grace their collections.

The reason there are even nautical decor ship bells for sale is due to the major role they play in nautical history. These roles include keeping the time, ceremonious duties, and signaling other ships. If it were not for the profound impact of the ship's bell on nautical history, nautical decor retailers would be hard pressed to include ship bells for sale in their catalog. The demand for ship bells is directly related to the impact of these items on the nautical culture as a whole.

Marking the watchman's four hour shift is one of the ship bell's traditional duties. After midnight - the beginning of the day - the ship bell strikes every half an hour in unique ways that alert the watchman to the exact time and status of his shift. For instance, the first half hour is identified by one bell; the first full hour - or second half hour - is marked by two bells; the next half hour by three bells, and on and on until the end of the four hour shift , which would be 4 a.m. in this case. Historically, a crew member was put in charge of striking the ship's bell to keep the watchmen alerted to their duties and the exact time.

There is no difference between the inner workings of the ship bell clock and a desk or wall clock. The same kinds of clockwork and bell mechanisms are used within the ship bell's clock. The differences between these kinds of clocks are minimal at best. For one, the ship's clock is usually composed of brass. Secondly, the four hours of the watchman's lookout are fixed within the mechanical workings of the ship bell's clock. Groups of two bells rung six times a day is the main difference from the standard clock's consecutive ringing twelve times per day.

Mechanical ship bells (not quartz) require winding with a key to function properly. Because the bell mechanism is powered by separate springs, it has to be wound up independently. Similar to a mantel or desk clock, ship bell clocks must be tuned and oiled every two years by qualified clockmakers.

Adding ship bells to a nautical themed room are excellent compliments to an established nautical decor and model ship collection. They are extremely popular items for use as nautical decor. The ship bell is a practical nautical gift to give anyone who is into nautical decor or historical items.